Get Your Taiwan Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply

Q: Does Taiwan allow dual citizenship?

Yes — birth nationals can hold dual citizenship. Naturalized citizens typically must renounce prior nationality, unless they qualify under special provisions for talent or contributions.

Q: Can I keep my US (or other) citizenship?

If you're a Taiwanese national by birth, yes. If naturalizing, you usually must renounce your other nationality unless you qualify for a waiver based on skills or public contributions.

Q: What’s the difference between household registration and nationality?

Nationals without household registration (NWOHR) can hold ROC passports but lack rights like residency or voting. Household registration grants full citizen rights and an ID card.

Q: Can I naturalize through marriage?

Yes. Spouses of Taiwanese nationals can apply after 3 years of residence, integration, and typically must renounce their original nationality.

Q: Will I owe taxes in both countries?

Taiwan taxes residents on locally earned and remitted foreign income. If you're a tax resident elsewhere, consult a tax advisor to determine how treaties apply.

Let us make the application process easier. With our network of experts, easy-to-use tools and helpful progress trackers, we're your complete resource for acquiring dual citizenship.

Eligibility Overview

By Descent: You are a national if at least one parent is a Taiwanese national (ROC) — whether born in Taiwan or abroad, though household registration is needed to access full citizen rights.
(Nationals without household registration can hold ROC passports but lack rights like voting until they register.)
By Naturalization: Foreigners can naturalize after 5 years of continuous residence (3 years for spouses), demonstrated integration, and renunciation of prior nationality — except for senior professionals or those with “outstanding contributions,” who may keep their original citizenship.
Dual Citizenship Allowed for Nationals by Birth: ROC law permits nationals by birth to retain another nationality. Naturalized citizens generally must renounce unless they fall under the exceptional talent provisions.

Step-by-Step Process

Determine your eligibility path: descent or naturalization (including marriage or talent).
Apply through the National Immigration Agency or Taipei Economic and Cultural Office abroad.
Provide documentation (parental Taiwanese nationality, proof of residence, employment, language/integration). If naturalizing, include renunciation or exceptional contribution proof.
For descendants: establish household registration by residing or through new 2024 rules for overseas nationals.
Receive ROC nationality certificate. Registered nationals receive a household-based ID card and passport; unregistered nationals receive only a passport.

Benefits of Taiwan Citizenship

Full rights: live, work, vote, own property (for those with household registration)
ROC passport holder — visa-free access to many countries
Dual nationality allowed for birth nationals; may retain original citizenship if naturalized under exceptions
Access to national healthcare, education, and social services

Frequently asked questions.

Does Taiwan allow dual citizenship?

Yes — nationals by birth can hold dual citizenship freely. Naturalized citizens must renounce their original citizenship unless they qualify as high-level professionals or have made special contributions.

Can I keep my US (or other) citizenship?

If you have Taiwanese nationality by birth, yes. If naturalizing through marriage or residency, you generally must renounce other nationalities — unless you’re in the “outstanding contributions” category.

What’s the difference between household registration and nationality?

A national without household registration (NWOHR) holds a Taiwanese passport but lacks rights to live, vote, or access services. To gain full citizen rights, you must register residency and obtain a national ID. New rules from Jan 1, 2024 ease this process for descendants.

Can I naturalize through marriage?

Yes. Spouses of Taiwanese nationals can naturalize after 3 years of residency, with cultural integration and usually renouncing prior nationality.

Will I owe taxes in both countries?

Taiwan taxes residents on income earned or brought into Taiwan. If you’re also a citizen or resident elsewhere, you may have obligations in both — tax treaties and professional advice are recommended.